Eggnog Bread Pudding ....a Festive Quickie

Being that is IS sooooo close to Christmas... being that I looooove EGGNOG, I thought I'd also share another Festive Quickie... Eggnog Bread pudding.   WAIT.... before you go judging "bread pudding", I beg you to give it a try,  I did, and now.. I'm on the bandwagon.  (this says a lot coming from a girl with food "texture issues". Don't even get me started on rice pudding...eeeek) I mean, thousands of people.... thousands of recipes ....can't all be wrong/bad right?!  PLUS.. this one...  has an "adult twist"... the addition of Bailey's. *sigh* Bailey's.

Add a drizzle of Bailey's over the warm pudding just before serving...

On a side note... here on the west coast, Dec. 21st 2011...  it couldn't look farther from Christmas if it tried!  It's BEAUTIFUL out...downtown on Granville Island, people were actually eating their late lunches outside!  Kid's were chasing and feeding the birds, and outdoor Musicians were adding to the already perfect atmosphere.

Yes.. this is in Vancouver, BC, CANADA...Dec. 21st!

new friend....

Blue Sky!

Nope... don't think there's snow in that cloud...  haha ... Gotta love the GREEN West Coast!  There was the "Christmas-y Smells"... Chestnuts Roasting... fresh wreaths on display....  and of course, a stop in to the Granville Island Tea Company for a large Masala Chai Tea to go..makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.... even though there is no sign of any "white stuff". 

Eggnog Bread Pudding & Bailey’s – a festive quickie

8 cups bread cubes (1/2 loaf) – Challah bread is the best

1 cup milk

2 ½ cups eggnog

3 large eggs

¾ cup sugar

¼ tsp nutmeg

1 tbsp vanilla

1-2 tbsp sugar (for topping)

Bailey’s (or other coffee liquor) to drizzle on top

-          Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

-          Whisk milk, eggnog, eggs, sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla in a large bowl

-          Add bread cubes

-          Pour into a baking pan (I used a 9 inch round cake pan) evening out the layer as much as possible.

-          Sprinkle  top with the addition sugar

-          Bake for 50-55 min or until knife in centre comes out clean

-          Let sit for 10 min prior to serving

-          Serve warm - spoon into serving bowls, drizzle Bailey’s on top – YUM YUM

*if serving to kids or non-Bailey’s lovers… whipped cream or ice cream would go great as well!

mmm perfect finishing touch!

For more great bread recipe ideas....check out this site... yeastspotting

Tis' The Season - Eggnog Shortbread Cookies

Tis’ the Season of over indulgences, rich food, good wine, and baked goods galore!  This year, I promised myself not to indulge toooo much.  Not to stay up till’ the wee hours of the morning baking, (let alone enjoying some of the finer spirits of the season).  I was going to be a good girl!  Stay focused.  Attend Zumba class 2 nights a week… YUP… I was going to sail through the Christmas Season.  Then…there I was… walking through an aisle in the grocery store… and it sat there… calling my name… and on SALE no doubt.   Eggnog.  **sigh** Eggnog.  Some drink it warm on its own… or with coffee…or with RUM… or… like me, all of the above...AND...bake with it!

In between preparing for our trek “up country” for the Christmas Season to be family… I decided what better way to distress then play a little.  After all, indulging in moderation…can’t be all THAT bad now can it?!   OH.. and throw in an impromptu photo session with Duke Dog… hey, may as well keep busy well the dough is chillin’ in the fridge right?! I’ve included some of those pictures below…as, well, you know… just living up to the “dog snob name”….





Eggnog Shortbread Cookies

1 cup butter (softened NOT melted)

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup icing sugar

¼ cup eggnog

 ½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp vanilla

*optional – Eggnog Glaze

(in small bowl, add 1 ½ cup icing sugar, and slowly mix in eggnog to desired consistency)

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

- In a large mixing bowl (stand mixers work best as they do the work for you) , Combine butter, flour, icing sugar, eggnog, nutmeg and vanilla.  Start mixer on “STIR” setting to combine ingredients slowly at first (or you’ll be covered in a poof of powder!)

- Gradually increase speed , stopping to scrape down sides of bowl several times.  Trick is to mix, mix, mix!  I had my mixer on for at least a good 5-8 minutes at a moderate speed.

- Place dough in fridge for 15 -30 minutes.

- Spoon a small amount of dough into your hand, and roll into balls. Place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart from each other.

place cookie balls 2 inches apart on cookie sheet

- Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly browned.  Remove from oven, and let sit on sheet for 5 minutes.

- Place cookies on cooling rack.  (I put a paper towel underneath the rack, so I could drizzle the eggnog glaze right on the cookies cooling for easy clean up)

- (optional ) Drizzle EGGNOG GLAZE* with a fork over cooling cookies.



using a fork makes it easy to mix and drizzle over cookies



- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.

....and now for some Santa Duke Dog pictures....

Duke Dog & "friend" by our tree

Smile!

So, I guess this is the final countdown to the day when the big fat man, in a red suit comes a callin’ ... If you’re traveling like us.. please travel safe.  For those (also like me) scrambling to get those last minute things checked off your to-do list.. GOOD LUCK! I’ll probably see you racing’ round’ the mall!



Santa Duke - Christmas 2011



mmmmMini Lasagna's

I love CARBS. I love bread.  I love pasta.  I love (who doesn’t) lasagna.  What I don’t like is when the craving hits you in the middle of the week, long day at the office, traffic “sucked” and you’re hungry NOW.   I’m constantly on the prowl for recipes that are “quick and easy week night” meals, have friends, family and marketing mailing lists in general sending me ideas on a regular basis.  This one caught my eye, and of course, I couldn’t just “make it”, I had to adapt, and play… or it just wouldn’t be me.  If you try ANY of the recipes from this site… YOU JUST GOTTA try this one!  YUM YUM!

Here’s my version of Petite Lasagna’s…as adapted from a canyoustayfordinner.com recipe.

mmmmMini Lasagna’s

(makes 12)
12 oz ground meat ( I used pork this time around)
1 cup finely diced onion
1 can/jar favorite pasta sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups part skim ricotta cheese
*optional – herb & garlic seasoning
36 small square wonton wrappers
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt/pepper to taste

- Preheat oven to 375ºF. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat, onions, salt/pepper. Crumble the meat and make sure it is cooked entirely. Add the garlic, mixing garlic in completely.

-Add pasta sauce. Bring to a gentle boil (watch for splattering). Remove from heat and set aside.

-In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta, a pinch of salt and pepper. *optional, I added teaspoon of  herb& garlic seasoning mix to add more flavor to cheese.  Stir to mix well. Set aside.

-Coat a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Place 2 wonton wrappers into each of the 12 cups, pressing firmly in the bottom of the cup and up the sides, make sure the sides of the muffin cup are covered with the wrappers.

-Using half of the ricotta mixture, divide it among the 12 muffin cups. Press with finger to get an even layer

-Next, using half of the meat pasta sauce mixture, spoon it evenly over each of the ricotta filled cups. Sprinkle with pinch of mozzarella.

-Gently press another wonton wrapper on top of the mozzarella layer.

- Repeat the process by distributing the remaining ricotta, then the remaining meat pasta sauce, and finally the rest of the shredded mozzarella

-Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

-remove from oven, let stand for 5 min. Carefully lifting cups out of muffin tin, (they should pop out easily.) Put on plate to serve!  YUM YUM

they should easily lift right out of muffin tin

There are endless variations with these babies! Try using Spicy Italian Sausage ground meat to kick it up a notch…or for those “veggies” out there… add in wilted/chopped spinach , mushrooms, peppers instead of the meat.    The best part…. Clean-up is a snap, the muffin tin should be relatively clean , as the lasagna's should just pop out, leaving a slight residue from the cooking spray.  OH…and did I mention, any leftovers, are just as good w/ a quick ZAP in the microwave the next day?!    Enjoy!!

mmmmMini Lasagna's --YUM YUM

An Artisan Affair with a side of Edamame Hummus

Edamame Hummus

An artisan (from Italian: artigiano) is a skilled manual worker who makes items that may be functional or strictly decorative, including furniture, clothing, jewellery, household items, and tools. As an adjective (spelled "artisanal"), it has been used as a marketing buzz word to describe or imply an association with the crafting of hand made food products, such as bread, tofu, beverages and cheese.

As I am just newly jumping into the “Foodie World”  (though I must admit, I’ve been a closet “Foodie” for quite some time) I am looking at things a different way.  Loving the trends that are starting to show themselves.. willing myself to try new things (even if it has texture “issues”…GULP) and what I’m enjoying more, is trying these new trends out for myself!

Recently, I was lucky enough to be able to “plan” a work function at one of my all time favorite “Happy Places” – Granville Island Market .  It is an Artisan’s Haven,  a Foodie’s Mecca… and best of all.. it’s located in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities I know of, Vancouver, BC. 

Of course, what’s a trip to the Island without visiting Granville Island Brewery (YUM YUM WINTER ALE!!) Their tasting room is fun – and informative.  This season, Chocolate Stout is the *new* one to try!  My opinion… definitely a dessert beer.  Winter Ale on the other hand… heaven!!

I also worked with Edible Canada  and had our group go on a “Market Tour”, as well as a 3-course-wine paired meal in their new restaurant directly after.  WOW, was I impressed.  During our tour through the market my group tasted its way through the different Artisan vendors.  I have to admit, even I, who is down in the Market quite frequently, learned a few things.

We had a stop at Oyama Sausage Company  , incredible!  Their prosciutto just seemed to melt in my mouth.  Also tasted some Chorizo and a type of fennel salami…  mmmmgood.   I can’t wait to go back and do more of a shop there. 

A visit to the Benton Brothers  had us sampling some fine cheese. How does that saying go?!  Everything’s better with Cheese?!?!

Terra Breads had me in carb heaven!!  Did you also know, they donate their leftovers to local community kitchens  as well as pride themselves on giving back to our community by donating items to different charitable events??

Of course I can’t forget Petit Ami and their sampling of their Holiday Blend coffee…  Starbuck’s, you’ve got competition on this blend!  YUM.    My also new favorite vendor in the Public Market …The Stock Market … HOLY… mmmmmmm!!.  Fresh Sauces, Stocks, Soups…  all in the latest flavor trends! (of course the basics as well).  I picked up the “Italian Dream, Creamy Pasta Sauce” – made with Prosciutto-Mushroom-Parmesan…  LOVE IT!  Add it to some fresh homemade pasta…  (find a basic pasta dough recipe here)  …and you’ve got yourself a pretty darn fantastic dinner!!

A stop to the Granville Island Tea Company proved informative and tasty! Thank you Mark for taking time out and talking with us!   Masala Chai Tea… with a smooth buttery finish…  heaven.  Pretty sure I'm headed down to the Market this weekend for more!



Of course then, there was the dinner at Edible Canada.  Their restaurant is lovely, and offers true West Coast Fare.  I had the Pemberton Steak and Frites , not surprisingly, it was awesome.

They have their small store front full of Artisan goodies, I’m pretty sure almost everyone in our group walked out with something from the Store.  I'd tell you what I bought... BUUUUT  Christmas is coming....

Over all – there is nothing bad I can say about the Public Market, and I’ve only captured a teenie-tiny portion of what Granville Island offers… there’s still the dozens of fresh fruit and vegetable vendors… the freshest Seafood & Butchers…. The local Artisan’s selling all kinds of unique-one-of-a-kind items….  *sigh*  truly a happy place!!  Of course, after I’ve spent time in that kind of atmosphere, I’m inclined to play a bit myself…. 

In keeping up with my promise to try out some of the several recipes I learned up at the Whistler Cornucopia Event last month… I just had to try and recreate one of CRU’s Executive Chef Alana Peckham recipes she showed us… Edamame Hummus… picture of her version is here… (Tiny Bubbles) 

Here’s my adapted recipe  (from CRU’s Executive Chef Alana Peckham)

Edamame Hummus

 2 cups Edamame Beans  (I used 1 package of frozen beans…and just shelled them myself)

½ cup diced shallots

3 garlic cloves – minced

½ cup olive oil

Salt to taste

-          Saute Edamame beans, Shallots, garlic in pan (use a drizzle of oil)





-          Remove from heat, and working in batches, puree mixture and oil  in a blender until desired texture.   (I added oil until the mixture was relatively smooth, but would still “scoop up and hold easily” to the pita chip.

-          Let sit at room temperature (covered) for at least 15 min to ensure flavors develop nicely.

-          Serve with pita crackers!  YUM YUM 

Edamame Hummus

 

Ooey Gooey EASY Cinnamon Buns

The Holiday Season appears to have just snuck up on me.  Everywhere you turn its the countdown to "that day" , coloured lights are twinkling, mall parking lots are overflowing, and everyone seems to be in a choatic state of mind.  Personally, I feel like I have the song "Where are you Christmas" replying over and over in my head. 

When I think of the holiday's, I don't think of gifts, office parties, or Santa Claus.  I think of family, traditions, comfort foods, and just enjoying those around you.  I think of music playing Christmas tunes in the background, as big meals are prepped.  Christmas Spirits being poured as laugher and good times fills the room around.   In my opinion, some forget that this time of year is the perfect time to reflect on all the blessings that surround us.   On a rare frosty Saturday morning, when there was no where I "had" to be, the house was quiet (expect for the rhythmic snoring in the bedroom)... even Duke was passed out on the couch.... I decided  to fire up the oven, and play alittle.  So, with the music channel on quietly... I began to create sweet cinnamon smells in hope of waking up Mr. Sleepy Head....

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Buns

The first thing I looked for when I was browsing through my millions (ok, maybe not MILLIONS...but definitely hundreds) of recipes was that I didn't have all day to make these.  I needed something to just whip up, so that they would be done, or in the final stages, before Mr. Sleepy Head woke up.  adapting from a couple recipes, I came up with these.  I promise you...  in an hour and half... with next to no kneading, you too could be biting into these sweet ooey gooey cinnamon buns...

Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Buns

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 package instant yeast
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (but not melted)

Optional: mix icing sugar and a couple tablespoons of milk (to desired thickness) to create a light and sweet icing

- Heat milk in sauces pan until it bubbles (stirring gently to ensure it doesn't scold on the bottom)

- Remove from heat, and stir in the 1/4 cup butter, keep stirring until it melts.  let cool until lukewarm

- Using a stand mixer, combine 2 1/4 cup flour, yeast, sugar and salt; mix well.

- Add water, egg and the milk mixture; mix well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mix well after each addition.

-When the dough has just pulled together,  use your dough hook to knead it until a dough ball forms on the hook, and the sides of the bowl are clean. 

- Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 2 minutes. (if dough is still really sticky, add about a 1/4 cup flour and knead in - your hands should be "clean of dough")

- Cover the dough with lightly oiled (I used cooking spray) plastic wrap, and let rest 10 minutes.

- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, softened margarine.

- Roll out rested dough into a 12x9 inch - "ish" rectangle.

- Spread dough with butter/sugar mixture using the back of a spoon or spatula, to about 1/2 inch from edges of dough

mmmm brown sugar, butter,cinnamon...

- Roll up dough and pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal size rolls and place cut side up in 12 lightly greased muffin cups.

- Cover lightly and let rise until doubled in a draft free place, about 30 minutes.

- Preheat oven to 375 F

- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until browned. (place a foil covered baking sheet under pan to catch any drips. 

- Remove from muffin cups to cool.

- Optional:  mix icing sugar and a couple tablespoons of milk (to desired thickness) to create a light icing, and drizzle over slightly cooled cinnamon buns....

........Serve warm

Enjoy!!  These are good for a few days(if they last that long), make sure to keep em' covered, and a quick zap in the microwave will have them back to ooey and gooey in seconds!



snow, Snow, SNow, SNOW!!

It’s that time of year again, when Jack Frost sends frozen kisses our way, and Mother Nature blankets the ground in the fluffy white “stuff”.  For some, winter weather means chaotic morning commutes, back breaking shoveling, and sniffley red noses.  For others – fire up them sleds, wax up them boards, bring on the fresh powder!

ME…  I’m the “in-between” type.   I hate the chaotic morning commute, but really do enjoy the peaceful mornings, when you wake up to a fresh blanket of snow… I just don’t like having to drive in the slushy sh&#*!..oops..err... I mean "stuff".

Allison Lake, BC - room with a view!

I LOVE to fire up the sleds (ok, try and pull start that green machine I use, often times giving up…letting someone else try and start “the thing” – though I am getting better) J  and ride along trails that are barely touched by mankind.  Where Mother Nature covers each tree with a thick blanket of snow, creating a magical forest of  sparkling snow and ice and turns the dusty, rocky hills into a white rolling landscape.   I LIKE (as I still seem to not being able to get the “hang” of it) snowboarding, riding the chair lift up to the summit of a mountain, and looking over what seems to be an endless mountain range.  I must admit my favorite part of the day is the hot toddy warm up at the end.  The winter months is when I enjoy the kitchen and various hobbies I have the most.  I am very lucky to be able to have a winter “retreat” that is easily accessible, and offers many winter activities right on our doorstep.  This past weekend we packed Duke Dog in the car, and off we went to have our first taste of “winter” this season.  Duke seemed to enjoy it the most… there was snow, but not too much so that his “ball” was still discoverable…

Someone's a little happy!

Finally hopping through the foot or so of snow wore Duke out for a few minutes, however, not letting his ball get too far away from him…he snuck in a quick sit down in the snow.  (for those of you who know Duke, or Border Collies in general, this is a rare moment!)

Duke Dog

We also have our daily visitors who enjoy a treat, while showing off their gorgeous blue colorings.  (Though the Stellar Jays are extremely camera shy , and took a while to get a decent pose for the camera.)

When there’s not enough snow to fire up the sleds (which was the case this past weekend), or when the weather isn’t cooperating, I like to enjoy yet another hobby.  Quilting. ..YUP…I do quilt.  Nothing too fancy - or crazy - I just find material I like, and then start the design / quilting process.  By all means, I’m no expert, but I think I can hold my own!  There’s nothing like being wrapped up in a homemade MORRIS original,  (ha ha, well in my opinion  that is!)

Of course, what is a frosty winter night without a little treat from the kitchen?   This past week I experimented with one of the recipes that I learned up at our previous Whistler Retreat.  Risotto.  Trying to keep a healthier spin on dinners, I came up with what I’ll call a “Skinny Chicken Carbonara Risotto”, and of course had to pair it with my new favorite vino - Abbondante Bianco 2010, Mistaken Identity Vineyards 

"Skinny" Chicken Carbonara Risotto

(serves 2, with a little leftover for lunch)

1 c. arborio rice ]

2 c. chicken broth
1 c. white wine  - not too sweet of a wine –
1 small handful freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 slices of bacon or pancetta
1 c. peas (frozen is fine as long as it's thawed)
2 egg yolks

1 clove garlic, freshly minced

Salt & pepper to taste

2 chicken breasts, sliced, slowly pan fried with tablespoon olive oil, herbs & garlic, salt,pepper  to taste.

- Add the chicken stock and white wine to a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Once a boil is reached, back down the heat to just under a boil

- Chop the bacon in a rough chop and fry in pan – I used my wok, as you want the pan you're cooking in to be big  enough to hold 3 cups of rice.  Remove the cooked bacon from the pan and set aside on a paper towel to drain. Reserve just enough of the bacon drippings in pan to barely cover bottom of pan.

- On a medium setting, add the rice to the pan and use a spoon to gently stir the rice in the pan so that the rice can toast in the liquid. Once you smell a nutty flavor, add the minced garlic and move on to next step.

Make sure you stir rice periodically while toasting, so not to burn

- Start by adding 1 c. of the simmering stock/wine mixture. Gently stir with the spoon periodically until the rice starts to drink in the liquid. When you start to see the bottom of the pan when you stir, it's time to add more liquid (a half cup at a time from here on out).

** The rice may or may not need all 3 cups of liquid. Keep adding stock/wine mixture as the previous addition is sucked up by the rice until the mixture is creamy and the rice is al dente (about 20 - 25 minutes). Taste as you go!

- Once the risotto is just about done to your taste preference, remove the pan from the heat. 

- Beat the egg yolks lightly in a bowl and add it in the risotto, being sure to stir to incorporate it so it doesn't curdle!

- Add the parmesan and stir gently to mix. Finally, add the cooked bacon and the thawed peas (the heat of the rice will cook the peas)

- top with the cooked chicken, and bon appetite!

*just a note, in the pictures I provided, you’ll see no peas! – They’re not a “favorite” of my other half… so I omitted them; either way… this was really a delicious dish!

YUM YUM!

Hmmmm… what’s cooking next??  I’ve been invited to my first ever “Bake Exchange”… looks like I’ve got to fire up the ole’ mixer, heat up the oven………..and decide what I can make 8 dozen of!  Eeek!

 

Tiny Bubbles

Is it really the MIDDLE of November?! wow.  How times flies!  Sadly, I haven't been able to play in the kitchen much at all - as other "stuff" has taken priority...  things like... a "milestone" birthday!!

First weekend in November we surprised the Birthday Boy with a "Lordy Lordy, Look Who's 40! Party".  Not wanting to deal with clean-up duty, I arranged a private room at Pier 73 Restaurant (OMG YUM) which is located at the Delta Vancouver Airport, adding to our own room, of course there had to be decorations....which also means a "theme".  For anyone who knows the bday boy.... Hair Nation & Jason go together like "two peas in a pod", "fish-n-chips", "cheap wing night & beer"! 
We had the takeaways/table decor:

We Will We Will QUACK YOU!  (guess you had to be there?!)

We had the location ( Pier 73 Restaurant, Delta Vancouver Airport ):

Pier 73 Restaurant

And of course I invited 40 or so of our close friends & family to surprise the Bday Boy...

A Huge Thank You to everyone who helped me make this surprise party a success! Great venue, appy platters to share, decorations, and hotel rooms to house all those who indulged a "little" in the bubbly stuff .... what more could you ask for!

After recovering from THAT party... we moved right on up to being a Guest of the Hilton Hotels, and enjoyed a luxurious weekend up at the Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa , and took part in several of Whistler's Cornucopia Events.  First thing that comes to mind is WOW!!  The room, the views, even a fresh layer of snow falling in Whistler Village set the stage to a fantastic Culinary & Wine filled weekend. 

On Saturday morning, I was lucky to be able to participate in VIKING STAGE SERIES: Good Things Come on Small Plates – with CRU Executive Chef Alana Peckham & Quails’ Gate Winery,  YUM YUM.   We had 3 delicious and decadent dishes prepared from scratch in front of us by Executive Chef Alana Peckham, from CRU, all the while sipping on perfectly pair wines from Quail's Gate Winery. Our plates were delicious - stay tuned to see if I can take accurate enough notes, drink a perfectly paired glass of bubbly, all the while savouring the dish placed in front of me!  (YES, I do intend on trying to make the Edamame Hummus on a Wonton Crisp, as well as the Wild Truffle Mushroom Risotto...how hard can these be?!?!) Though it was awesome.. not so sure on the salad with a seared tuna, as I don't think my "other half" would enjoy the salad again so much... cause' "its got cucumbers and stuff" in it..... :)

Edamamme Hummus on a Wonton Crisp... OMG YUM!

The one apparent trend throughout the weekend was the constant glass of bubbly being placed in my hand. OK, OK, I'll admit it... I enjoyed every sip! To top off our culinary / tasting weekend, we went to the Crush Gala.  Over 60 wineries are respresented, and all are offering several of their wines to taste. *sigh* When I walked through the doors, I was sure I had died and gone to heaven!!  As I finished my current glass of bubbly... another "tasting" glass replaced it... then a quick check to the map of all the wineries...and away we went...swirling, sipping and tasting some of the best wines from all over the world! From Dirty Laundry Winery, Blasted Church Winery to Summerhill Winery...I made my way selectively through.  Of course, there were those that were completely new to me, and far too many to try all of them in one night. How does one choose what wineries were going to be tasted - - well, of course, using the most scientific process of elimination I could think of.  I chose wineries in which the NAME of the Vineyward caught my eye.  I bypassed the "normal" names, skipped passed the commercially-mass produced places and I am very pleased to announce, I found a few that just seemed to fit.  "J Vineyards" - out of California... their Brut Rose ...YUM!!!!!! Just enough of those tiny bubbles dancing on your tongue! Then there's what I consider my most fantastic find... best of all, it's a LOCAL Vineyard on Salt Spring Island ... "Mistaken Identity" Vineyards.  WOW... HOLY... YUM. My first shipment of wine from Mistaken Identity should be arriving before the end of this week, and honestly...can't wait!!  Not only were they friendly to talk to, they have negotiated discounted shipping rates to anywhere in B.C. ...JACKPOT! 

Of Course, after a night of indulging in the various glasses of tiny bubbles...we had a bit of a slow morning. That didn't stop us from finishing up our Whistler Weekend with the Bear Course on Zip Trek.  5 zip lines, snow covered old growth forest and a river below...wow!! Talk about facing your fears!  Heights of over 160 feet, and there you are.. zipping through the trees, over the river and gracefully (thankfully) stopping at the other side.  On the last line, your guides actually show you how to "zip"... upside down / free style!! What a rush! Hanging upside down in your harness, zipping at fast speeds, and screaming.. "Look Ma... no hands!!" 

What a view!

Watch out for that first step!!... it's a doooooozey!

All in all, I am very blessed to have such fantastic people in my life.  From those willing to help celebrate that special someone's birthday, to those I have just begun to get to know, letting me indulge (just a little) and experience such an amazing weekend away with the person I love.  I can't wait to see what we "get into" next.  Snow has started to fall... feels like sledding season is just around the corner... OH and there's the kitchen, with several *new* recipes just waiting to be tested out....  until the next time....I'm off to try and catch up on some sleep...quietly humming.. "tiiiinnny bubbles" .....